Bill > SB1865

This bill establishes the Campus Free Speech Act, which requires public universities and community colleges in Illinois to develop and adopt comprehensive policies protecting free expression on campus. The bill mandates that these institutions recognize free speech as a fundamental right, affirming that universities should not shield students from ideas they might find offensive and should maintain an environment of open, robust debate. Key provisions include designating outdoor campus areas as public forums, ensuring invited speakers can present without viewpoint discrimination, protecting students' rights in disciplinary proceedings, and prohibiting institutions from requiring students to espouse specific political viewpoints. The bill also creates a statewide Committee on Free Expression, composed of representatives from various public universities and community colleges, which will issue an annual public report detailing any barriers to free speech, administrative handling of disruptions, and recommendations. Additionally, the bill requires public institutions to include a section about free expression policies in freshman orientation programs. The legislation is grounded in principles from notable university reports, such as the 1974 Woodward Report and the 2015 University of Chicago report, and aims to reaffirm the critical importance of intellectual freedom in higher education. The Board of Higher Education is authorized to adopt rules to implement the Act, while ensuring that existing laws prohibiting unlawful speech remain in effect.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1865&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104